Kallik nodded. “And what two fierce bears do we know who have been fighting wolves?” she asked, suddenly optimistic. “Come on!”

She led Yakone back along the wolves’ trail, following the scent and the smears of blood in the undergrowth. It led to a clearing where the earth had been churned up under a tree. The air was filled with the scents of bears and blood, and tufts of fur were scattered on the ground. Kallik’s hope suddenly vanished, replaced by the chill of fear.

“What if—” she began.

“Kallik! Yakone!” A voice full of amazement and joy interrupted Kallik, and Lusa bounded out from behind a tree. “You’re back!”

“Lusa!” Kallik ran up to her friend and began checking her all over for injuries. “What happened?” she demanded. “Don’t tell me you fought off those wolves by yourself!”

Lusa shook her head. “No. They were hunting a couple of brown bear cubs. I got the cubs to safety in a tree, and then their mother and I fought the wolves.”

“That was very brave, saving those cubs,” Kallik said when she was satisfied that her friend wasn’t badly hurt. She gave Lusa’s ears an extra lick.

“What was it like on the ridge?” Lusa asked, wriggling free. “And why are you back here?”

“It was fine up there,” Kallik replied. “But Yakone is strong enough to travel now.”

All the happiness drained out of Lusa’s face. “Then you’ll be leaving the forest?”

“No, not exactly,” Yakone told her. “We want to stay with you and Toklo until you find your homes, and then we’ll go back to the Endless Ice.”

Lusa’s eyes stretched wide. “Wow!” she exclaimed. “Well, I’ve just decided where I want to go,” she continued. “I’m going back to Great Bear Lake, to find black bears to live with.” She blinked at Kallik. “I love being with you two, and Toklo, but in the end I need to be a black bear.”

Kallik’s admiration grew as she listened to Lusa’s plans. “That’s even braver than fighting wolves!” she said.

Lusa shrugged. “I don’t feel brave,” she confessed. “It’s a long way to Great Bear Lake.”

“But we can go with you!” Kallik said. Her paws tingled with excitement at the thought of traveling with Lusa again. “The lake is on the way to the Endless Ice, more or less.”

“Yes, of course,” Yakone agreed. “I’ve never been to the Longest Day gathering. I’d love to see what happens.”

“Oh, thank you!” Lusa flicked her stubby tail in delight. “It’s settled, then.”

“I guess we can leave soon,” Kallik said. “Toklo will stay here, I suppose.”

“I’m not sure. This is his home, but it’s not as simple as that,” Lusa said.

“Why? What do you mean?” Kallik asked.